New to Minecraft servers? This page explains the words you will see in our guides.
Basic terms
- Client: the game on your own device. Server: the computer that players connect to.
- Edition: Java or Bedrock. Version: the number, like 1.21.
- Mods add content by changing the game files. Plugins run only on the server, so players install nothing.
- Mobs are living creatures. Entities also include things like arrows, boats and TNT.
Java vs Bedrock
Java runs on PC and Mac and supports mods and most plugins. Bedrock runs on Windows, consoles and mobile. They do not normally join each other’s servers, but Geyser lets Bedrock players join a Java server, see GeyserMC.
Game modes and difficulty
- Survival: gather resources, manage health and hunger.
- Creative: unlimited blocks and flying.
- Adventure: like survival, but you cannot normally break or place blocks.
- Spectator: fly through everything without interacting.
Difficulty goes from Peaceful to Hard and changes mob damage and spawning. See Common server.properties Settings.
Dimensions
The Overworld is the main world. The Nether is a dangerous fiery world reached by portal. The End is home to the Ender Dragon.
Server software and customizing
Paper is best for most plugin servers, Fabric and Forge are for mods. See Server Software Overview. Datapacks also change gameplay without mods, see Datapacks, and resource packs change textures, see Resource Packs.
Performance words
A healthy server runs at 20 ticks per second (TPS). View distance is how far players see, and simulation distance is how far things are active. Lower values reduce lag. Pre-generating your world helps too, see Chunky.
Next steps
- Pick a plan, see Choosing a Plan.
- Learn the panel, see Basic Controls.
- Make yourself an operator, see Make Yourself an Operator.